Bringalbit is a country property near Mt. Macedon retaining some of its original remnant Peppermint Gums, Yellow Box and Manna Gums fail to break the winds. These have been supplemented  confers, oaks, willow and poplar thickets, Monterey pines and Osage trees, nearly all planted in the 19th century. The large trees, together with a small creek feeding a couple of dams and the garden lake before cascading down it’s rocky falls below the spillway forms a peaceful retreat in country Victoria. There is a 60metre Quince Walk that delights in Spring and Autumn. Elsewhere in the garden swathes of roses, lavender, dianthus and gaura soak up the sun on the north facing terraces with their silver foliage context of snow-in-summer edging. There is a small entry charge per person (children free). More info >>

• Spring features the colours of rhododendrons, azaleas, crab apple trees, camellias,  jonquils, daffodils, Grandmother's bonnets and iris.
• Autumn features the colours the region with 80 year old liquid ambers and maples
• Summer reveals the shades of greens a long established garden can produce.
• Winter allows the large feature trees like red cedars and the rare Macedon oak (which stays evergreen) become the chief attraction.

In addition there is a kitchen garden featuring espaliered olive and pear trees and an excellent selection of herbs and vegetables.

Please note: Campaspe House is a privately owned Country House Hotel and restaurant. This means that the gardens are not generally accessible to the general public. However White Hat recommends that house guests and restaurant patrons should take at least some time to wander through these special gardens. Restaurant bookings are essential and you can find details at the Campaspe House website. More info >>

Forest Glade Gardens is one of Australia's finest private gardens. It is short trip from Melbourne and is open to the public from September to May. It features large exotic trees, a bonsai house, a woodland section, a fern gully a blue bell patch and an impressive daffodil lawn during spring; a topiary garden, two aviaries, a laburnum arch, a peony walk highlighted with climbing roses, as well as numerous pergolas, ponds, fountains and statues. A small entry fee applies (children free)

Full details at Tieve Tara

SunFest has been celebrating the Sunbury community for over 40 years with a free 2-day festival full of fun and entertainment for all ages. Attractions include:

• Battle of the Primary School Choirs
• Sunbury Can Dance
• Sunbury’s got Talent
• Grand Street Parade
• Sunfest Family Show
• Market Stalls
• Food Stalls
• Amusement Rides and Carnival Games
• Roving Entertainers

The Kyneton Music Festival features bands and food trucks in the historic town of Kyneton. You can either take the V-Line train or enjoy a pleasant drive. Either way it is about an hour from central Melbourne with numbers of affordable places to stay. Ticket prices and bookings at the Festival website.